Also called: CNC Applications Engineer, Machine Tool Demo Engineer
Works for a company that builds CNC machines, proving to customers that a new machine can make their parts faster and better.
A medical device maker wants to buy a $700,000 five-axis machine, so you program their bone-screw part, run it in your company's showroom, and show the cycle time. Then you travel to install the machine and train their crew. Part engineer, part teacher, part showman.
Estimated from BLS mechanical engineers.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, or many years as a top machinist/programmer.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Machine Tool Technology.
Growing much faster than average (about 9% over 10 years). Mechanical engineers overall.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI simulation helps prove cycle times; demonstrating machines and solving customer problems in person stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, Machining CTE class, Public speaking.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2141.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.